ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the construction of Phoenix based on the archaeological evidence, and the documented timbers and other design features are presented in the probable order of construction at the Vergennes shipyard. The keel of Phoenix was found to be intact, if somewhat misaligned, over the length of the vessel. Cut from white oak, the keelson was found to be intact over the entire length of the steamer's hull. The observed gap between the second deadwood piece and the keelson indicates that upon settling to the bottom of the lake, the torsion and pressure placed on the backbone of the steamer resulted in some twisting of the hull. At the bow, fragments of up to 17 strakes were observed where they were fitted into the stem rabbet. A total of 72 surviving frames were recorded on the hull of Phoenix, including 60 square frames, five cant frames at the bow, and seven half frames at the stern.
